Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and their supervisors who provide services and supports for people with developmental disabilities (DD) in Virginia are required to complete an orientation training process established by the DBHDS per Medicaid Waiver regulations (12VAC30-122-180). It is designed with three purposes in mind: to ensure people get quality services, to build skills and confidence, and to enhance the supervisor-DSP relationship.
Direct Support Professional (DSP) and DS Supervisors DD Waiver Orientation and Competencies Protocol (3/6/20)
Training Schedule
The following training sessions are designed to help providers locate, understand, and use the orientation and competencies materials.
They outline the DSP and DSP Supervisor Orientation Training, Basic Competencies, and Advanced Competencies, and explain how to apply these resources to meet regulatory requirements, respond to questions, and access individualized guidance.
This training offers additional support but does not replace the DSP Supervisors Orientation training available in the COVLC or the training supervisors are required to provide to DSPs.
Thursday, April 16, 2026 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Thursday, May 21, 2026 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Thursday, June 18, 2026 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Thursday, July 16, 2026 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Thursday, August 20, 2026 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Thursday, September 17, 2026 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Thursday, October 15, 2026 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Thursday, November 19, 2026 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Become a Trainer
If you supervise Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) in an agency that provides any of the listed services, you must complete online training and testing through the Commonwealth of Virginia Learning Center (COVLC). The COVLC is a web-based system that offers self-paced training for Virginia employees, Community Services Boards, and community providers.
The required training includes:
- Information about the role and responsibilities of a DSP supervisor
- Guidance on how to implement the orientation process
- A competency test
When you finish the training and test, you’ll receive a certificate of completion. This certificate must be kept in your file or the employee’s personnel file for review by DBHDS and the Department of Medical Assistance Services.
The required training is on the COVLC. If you have never used COVLC before, please follow the steps in the “New Users Only” section to obtain a new account for the DBHDS-E-External Entities Domain.
The Commonwealth of Virginia Learning Center (COLVC) Account Information
New Users
To request an account, please email the DBHDS COVLC Help Desk at dbhdscovlchelpdesk@dbhds.virginia.gov. You will need to submit an email, entering “Requesting a COVLC Account“ in the subject line. Before approving or denying your request the following information will need to be supplied:
- Your full legal name (first and last name); you may also include a preferred first name
- Your organizational email address (this will be used to create your account; if you do not have one, please provide an alternate email address. Accounts are per users, not organization. Therefore, each individual must have their own email address.)
- The name of the organization you are affiliated with (CSB, Licensed Private Provider, etc.)
- Your manager’s name (if a contractor, who would you report to)
- Is the organization licensed or are you in the process of being licensed by one of the following: DBHDS, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), the Department of Social Services, or DMAS?
- If your organization is not licensed, please provide the reason for requesting an account.
- What is your reason for requesting an account in the DBHDS-E – External Entities Domain? (Example: training to qualify for Medicaid billing, support coordination training, DSP Supervisor Training, etc.).
Once your responses have been reviewed, an account may be created for you, or you will receive a follow-up denial email. Approvals/account creations may take up to 3 business days.
Change in Organization
If you have an existing account but have switched organizations and can no longer access your account, please submit an email to the DBHDS COVLC Helpdesk. Enter “Update Email Address” in the subject line. Please provide your full name (first and last) and previous email address. A user may have only one account in the COVLC, and therefore a new account will be denied.
Current Users
If you have forgotten your Login ID and/or password, you may request your Login ID or a temporary password by clicking login ID and/or password in the “Forgot your login ID or password?” link on the COVLC log in page. Please request your Login ID first, via the link. The COVLC will send a system-generated email. The email may be delivered to your Spam/Junk folder. Please be sure to update your organizational information in your account profile accordingly. It is imperative that you include your company name, as it helps identify which organization you are training for.
If any additional assistance is needed, please email the DBHDS COVLC Help Desk at dbhdscovlchelpdesk@dbhds.virginia.gov.
The COVLC is not monitored 24/7. Help desk assistance is provided Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., except for State Holidays/Department closures.
How to Access the Training
- In the COVLC, search for the keyword “DSP” to find the supervisor training.
- Complete the training and the test.
Once you’ve completed the training and test, you can request a copy of the DSP test answer key. To do this, send a copy of your COVLC certificate to your assigned Community Resource Consultant.
Training Direct Support Professionals
Direct Support Professionals follow a different process from supervisors in completing orientation training and annual competency testing. DSPs receive training from their agency supervisor or designated agency trainer. DSPs are encouraged to review the Orientation Manual prior to participating in the training.
Supplemental Training Material
Once a supervisor/trainer has been identified and completed their orientation training and competency training, they can select the best option for training their agency’s DSPs. Below are options for training slides, webinar, or slide show. There is also a “Frequently Asked Questions” available to assist trainers in answering questions that may arise while training. Trainers are encouraged to review all options prior to making a selection.
Trainers Administer Test for DSPs
After completing the training of DSPs, supervisors/trainers should administer the DSP Orientation Test. To demonstrate understanding of the material, a passing score of 80% or better is required.
DSP and Supervisor Orientation Test (11/15/21)
DSP Assurance Form
To confirm successful completion of testing and competency requirements for the DD Waivers, the Direct Support Professional Assurance form is to be signed and kept on file.
Providers must keep this assurance form and a copy of the scored test on file for viewing during a DMAS Quality Management Review. DSPs should keep a copy of the assurance form for their own records.
Online access
DSP Orientation training materials can also be accessed through Virginia Commonwealth University’s website which includes training slides for agency use and various forms and checklists related to these requirements.
Virginia Commonwealth University’s Direct Support Professionals Orientation
Competencies
The DSP Competencies Checklist is used to make sure Direct Support Professionals and their supervisors have a consistent level of skill and expertise. It covers three main areas:
- Using person-centered values and practices
- Understanding and following service requirements
- Supporting people’s health and wellness
Providers use this checklist to document that a DSP or supervisor has shown they are competent in these areas. It focuses on the basic skills needed to meet DD waiver requirements and help each person live a life that reflects what matters to them while ensuring health, safety, and community inclusion.
Within 180 days of hire, staff must consistently show all required skills. The checklist must be reviewed and updated at least once a year. All completed checklists must be kept in the personnel file and be available for DBHDS, DMAS, or other reviewers.
For individuals identified as having more intensive needs, as determined by the SIS, DSPs and DSP supervisors must receive additional training in the areas of health, behavioral needs, autism, or all three.
Developmental Disabilities DSP and Supervisor Competencies Checklist (7/12/21) DMAS-P241a
Regulatory Requirements
The following resources provide the basis for the above DSP Orientation Test and Competencies requirements.
DD Waivers Regulations section on “Orientation testing; professional competency requirements; advanced competency requirements” [12VAC 30-122-180]
